Out in the bush by Yvonne Morrison

Rating 4 out of 5
Title: Out in the Bush
Author: Yvonne Morrison
Publisher: Koala Book Company

ISBN: 0864618093

EAN: 9780864618092

Age Range: 2-4 years

"Out in the bush" is a cute remake of the song "Over in the meadow" (if you don't know the tune google Wiggles Over in the Meadow). 

This book is educational on a lot of levels. Firstly it discusses Australian native animals with each page using a different critter. 

There is counting woven into the story and every page displays a number prominently, and then reinforcing it with the animals totalling that number on the page. My son loved counting the animals after i had read the text. 

Lastly the text rhymes and is a little silly so kids can really enjoy it (and if you know the song then you can sing it, even badly). As I knew the Wiggles version of this song (which is an old rhyming song) I couldn't help but read it as a song with the voice of Sam (former yellow wiggle) in my head.

I adore the art work which is bright and colourful and would not be out of place hanging on a wall.

For some reason I have not heard of Yvonne Morrison prior to my son bringing this book home from his school library. I have seen her books on the bookshelves in book stores though so was surprised to learn I knew the names of quite a few of her books. But I have to say this New Zealand/Aussie author has won a place in our personal book library as we just loved this book. I am going to get my hands on her "Out in the ocean" book next as master 4 will go bananas over it.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone as it is a fun engaging read.

How Do Dinosaurs Learn Colours and Numbers? by Jane Yolen

Rating: 4 out of 5
Reading Age: 1 and up
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books; Bind-up ed edition (January 3, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0007244738
ISBN-13: 978-0007244737

The "How do dinosaurs....." series by Jane Yolan covers some tricky toddler behaviours and basic learning skills. This book is actually a two for one we got from the library. It covers numbers and colours.

The story is simple and basic. With lots of rhyming and funny dinosaurs illustrating each point. The illustrations are really quite funny and detailed. Mark Teague has done a wonderful job bringing the dinosaurs and story to life.

It is easy to see why these books are a hit with children.

"Dinosaur counting

Starts with one.

One tattered teddy bear

just for fun."

This is a great joy to read out loud for adults and kids. It could even be an early reader for children.

Finally the biggest selling point of this book is that it was able to stop a brewing toddler tantrum in it's tracks. My little guy was having an epic sulk, building up to a tantrum and I whipped out this book (which we had just gotten from the library) and just started reading loudly, while holding the book out so he could see the pictures. Ever so slowly he crept over to me and by the end of the book was sitting quietly by my side and said "read dinosaurs again". My reply, feigning innocence, "ooookkkkkaaayyy encore performance it is, but only if you insist". After the second round me reading aloud, he then asked for the book. He then proceeded to sit there turning the pages himself and pointing out the rainbow, trucks and train. We went from tantrum to quietly reading in approximately 10 minutes. WINNING. So a big thumbs up from a grumpy 2 and half year old toddler, and his mummy. Doesn't get better then that really.

A must for dinosaur obsessed toddlers.

Book Brief

• Rhyming
• Counting 1-10
• Colours
• Humor
• Dinosaurs